Awatramani Gunjan, Saeed Ghazal Talal, Al Smady Montaser Nabeeh, Tahlak Sara, Saeed Heba Talal, Shah Rajesh, Warhekar Pramod
College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, ARE.
Emergency Medicine, Dubai Health, Dubai, ARE.
Cureus. 2025 Apr 14;17(4):e82219. doi: 10.7759/cureus.82219. eCollection 2025 Apr.
Herpes zoster (HZ) results from the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) in sensory ganglia, with immunosuppression and aging being major risk factors. A subtype, HZ ophthalmicus (HZO), involves the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve and can lead to significant ocular complications. Orbital apex syndrome (OAS), a rare condition involving multiple cranial nerve dysfunction due to involvement of the orbital apex, may complicate HZO. A 65-year-old male with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, benign prostatic hyperplasia, migraines, and bipolar disorder presented with a two-day history of a severe right retro-orbital headache, lacrimation, nausea, dizziness, and photophobia. Initial work-up suggested a cluster headache. However, he developed a vesicular rash on the right side of his forehead, along with a swollen right eyelid and red eye. On the fourth day of admission, a diagnosis of HZO and OAS was made, and antiviral therapy with intravenous acyclovir and methylprednisolone was added to his pain management regimen. OAS is a rare but severe complication of HZO, characterized by painful ophthalmoplegia, vision loss, and cranial nerve dysfunction. If left untreated, OAS can be fatal if it involves the cavernous sinus. The diagnosis is confirmed through clinical examination and neuroimaging, which may reveal orbital myositis, optic nerve abnormalities, and perineural enhancement. OAS can be precipitated by comorbidities such as diabetes, and its onset typically occurs 10-14 days after the rash. Treatment consists of analgesics, antiviral therapy, and corticosteroids. Early recognition and aggressive management are essential to prevent long-term complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia and permanent vision loss.
带状疱疹(HZ)是由感觉神经节中的水痘-带状疱疹病毒(VZV)重新激活引起的,免疫抑制和衰老为主要危险因素。一种亚型,即眼部带状疱疹(HZO),累及三叉神经的眼支,可导致严重的眼部并发症。眶尖综合征(OAS)是一种罕见的疾病,由于眶尖受累导致多组颅神经功能障碍,可能并发于HZO。一名65岁男性,有2型糖尿病、良性前列腺增生、偏头痛和双相情感障碍病史,出现严重的右侧眶后头痛、流泪、恶心、头晕和畏光症状两天。初步检查提示为丛集性头痛。然而,他右侧前额出现水疱性皮疹,同时右侧眼睑肿胀、眼睛发红。入院第四天,诊断为HZO和OAS,并在其疼痛管理方案中加入静脉注射阿昔洛韦和甲基强的松龙进行抗病毒治疗。OAS是HZO一种罕见但严重的并发症,其特征为疼痛性眼肌麻痹、视力丧失和颅神经功能障碍。如果不治疗,若累及海绵窦,OAS可能会致命。通过临床检查和神经影像学检查确诊,检查结果可能显示眶肌炎、视神经异常和神经周围强化。OAS可由糖尿病等合并症诱发,其发病通常在皮疹出现后10 - 14天。治疗包括使用镇痛药、抗病毒治疗和皮质类固醇。早期识别和积极治疗对于预防长期并发症(如带状疱疹后神经痛和永久性视力丧失)至关重要。